He’s no CPOY, but the Slot Machine deserves mention

It’s good to have friends in high places, and in Denver, nobody resides in the same stratosphere these days as Peyton Manning. At least in part, a relationship with the Broncos new quarterback was how Stokley’s improbable return to the NFL unfolded.

Let us also not forget that Stokes played some role (host, bicyclist partner for game of catch) in making Peyton's initial visit to Denver a familiar, and thus comfortable one. Does Peyton still sign with Denver without Stokley's presence and hospitality? Probably so. But we can't know for certain, and it doesn't matter.

He won't get any votes for Comeback POY, but for having headed to Duke in February and opened his home to buddy Peyton in March, we say, Thank You, Brandon Stokley.

Doug is IAOFM’s resident newsman and spelling czar. Follow him on Twitter @IAOFM

TJ offers an instant analysis of the Broncos' 30-10 loss to the Seahawks in their second game of the preseason

Good call Bob...

I probably read the same story you did. Pretty incredible.

Posted by aLuffabo on 2012-12-18 14:03:43

Stokely does things at 37 that I will never be able to do and I'm 26. It's pretty incredible.

Posted by Christian LeBrilla on 2012-12-18 13:40:35

Were it not for Peyton or AP, Thomas Davis would likely get CPOY honors. Coming back from three surgeries on the same knee to play at a high level is pretty amazing... most players who have three knee surgeries are thought to have their careers over.

Posted by Bob on 2012-12-18 13:13:18

That's a good article by don Banks. In at least one way, Stokely's comeback is more remarkable that Peyton's or Adrian Peterson's. That being, Stokely had basically retured, until March or soNice to see him get an honorable mention, although it's between Peyton and AP.AP will get it if he breaks Dickerson's rushing record.

Posted by bradley on 2012-12-18 12:51:26

No doubt.

I also say thank you to him for being extremely clutch in a good number of games this year. I hope he gets his form and health back (haven't seen much from him lately) for the playoff run.